2008 Woodie Awards
Adams reflects on his first year
By LOUIS ROLFES The Red & Black
In his first year as president, Michael Adams pledged to make the University a more "student friendly" institution.
In an interview Wednesday, Adams talked about some of his accomplishments as well as his goals for the future.
In light of a recent fire at the Pi Beta Phi sorority house, Adams said he is increasingly concerned with the safety of Greek houses.
After touring the sorority house, Adams said he was thankful the incident didn't result in any serious injuries. He said all houses should be equipped with a fire alarm or smoke detectors that do not require batteries.
"We came very close to a really serious accident," Adams said. "If it were one of my daughters or sons living in those houses, I would want a hard-wired smoke alarm system."
Within weeks of taking office on Sept. 1, 1997, Adams announced he would restructure the administration to give it a "lean, clean and efficient" look - a change aimed at giving Adams more time to travel as a spokesman for the school.
By creating the position of provost, the chief academic officer for the University, Adams said he hopes to "firmly establish the academic mission of the the institution."
The provost also will assist Adams with the day-to-day operations of the University.
Adams created the position of senior vice president for finance and administration to oversee the fiscal planning of the University. The president also created the position of senior vice president for external affairs to handle most of the alumni relations and fund-raising efforts.
Moving his office to the former Georgia Museum of Art will allow him to keep in closer contact with the staff of the new administration, Adams said.
Additionally during his presidency, the University has begun the long awaited semester switch and is currently operating under the first-ever $1 billion budget.
